December was muddy, joyful, cozy, and full of main character energy. We wrapped up the year with bikes flying downhill, boots filling with water, beach fires crackling, and students cheering each other on at every turn. Here’s how Y.E.T.I. closed out the year outside:
Hikes, Mud, and Magical Ravines
Hikes this month were equal parts wandering, bonding, and stopping every five minutes because something cool was happening.
Cascade View Elementary kicked things off at Lincoln Park, then later explored Salmon Creek Ravine. One steep section in the ravine turned into a full team effort as students helped each other down and then cheered wildly when Thang made it through. Very wholesome, very Y.E.T.I.
Also, if you’re wondering what an elementary school Y.E.T.I. Club sounds like…
Sylvester Middle School made Lincoln Park their playground with tree forts, beach time, and an iconic DJ moment with Aleiyah running a Bluetooth speaker and taking song requests via a whiteboard. The animal sounds game was a huge hit (especially with Amelia).
They also spent a big day at Seahurst Park, and it had everything. Students played camouflage and the animal noises game (with full buy-in), wandered through the forest snacking on licorice fern for the first time, soaked up beach time, threw sticks and rocks into the water, searched for crabs, walked back along the shoreline, and ended the day playing tag on the playground.
Mt. Rainier High School got out after school at Saltwater State Park and Salmon Creek Ravine, where the ravine felt like a secret world hidden in the middle of the neighborhood. One hike ended with hot chocolate, which honestly felt like the correct choice.
Glacier Middle School had some of the chillest hikes of the month at Marine View Park and Salmon Creek Ravine. Smaller groups meant lots of banter, students coming out of their shells, throwing rocks into the water, spotting bald eagles, welcoming a new student (hi Francis!), and retrieving a rogue ball from deep in the ravine.
Showalter Middle School explored Lakeridge Park and Salmon Creek Ravine, taking their time and fully leaning into creek play. Stick races were attempted. Water was redirected. Nearly everyone stepped into the river knowing full well their boots were not waterproof, and did not care one bit.
Maritime High School hiked at Saltwater State Park, beachcombing at low tide and discovering bones and a starfish.
Pacific Middle School wrapped up a hike at Walker Preserve with immaculate vibes, supportive team culture, curiosity everywhere, shoutouts and prizes for each other, and live clarinet music in the van courtesy of Ocean.
We also hosted multiple open enrollment hikes, giving even more students a chance to squeeze in end-of-year adventure.
Bikes, Speed, and Soaked Pants
December biking brought confidence, downhill joy, and more than a few wet clothing situations.
Glacier Middle School and Maritime High School teamed up for a bike intro at Saltwater State Park, and the highlights were plentiful: slalom riding, flying downhill at speed, racing friends (and losing), and riding until pants were completely soaked. One student summed it up best: “My highlight is just being here with y’all.”
Pacific Middle School kicked things off with a bike intro at Saltwater State Park, where students loved having choice in how they spent the time, practiced riding more, and soaked up beach joy!
Open enrollment mountain bike trips delivered nonstop fun, braking games in the parking lot, map skills that actually clicked, tiny hill laps at Des Moines Marina, lunch by the water, and eagle sightings overhead.
Beach Days, Tag Games, and Low-Tide Wonders
Apparently December is a great time to be at the beach.
Pacific Middle School beachcombed at Seahurst Park, mixing map time focused on animals and water with lots of free play. Every single student wanted to play tag, probably because staff were fully bought in and sprinting around too.
Showalter Middle School had one of the coziest days of December at Seahurst Park, helping carry fire gear and s’mores supplies, setting up under the covered area, and settling in for beach time and s’mores by the fire. Absolute perfection.
The Big Picture
December was muddy, joyful, loud, cozy, and full of connection. Students hyped each other up, got soaked on purpose, solved problems together, and laughed a lot along the way. It was the perfect way to close out the year, and we’re already excited to do it all again in the new one.
